Frequently Asked Questions

This selection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) provides answers to many of your questions. If we haven't answered one of yours please contact us by phone, email or chat.

Published 14.11.2016

General

How do I order brochures?

Unfortunately, printed brochures cannot be ordered from hurtigruten.com. To obtain a printed brochure please get in touch with your local travel agent. Alternatively, you can read our brochures online by locating ’Read brochures’ page from the menu.

I am not coming through by phone. What do I do?

Apologies if you are not able to contact us via phone. The alternatives are to email us at book@hurtigruten.com, chat with us online by locating the link in the footer, request a call back or book your voyage online.

Is it possible to buy gift certificates and how do I buy one?

Unfortunately, gift vouchers are only available for the Nordic market.

Hurtigruten pricing and booking

What are the booking terms and conditions including payment and cancellation rules?

What is flexible pricing?

Flexible pricing is where all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Prices may change at any time before departure date, the applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking.

Why am I getting a higher price than the ’from price’ online?

We offer a flexible pricing policy, similar to that an airline if you were booking a flight. This means the from price is an indication of the lowest price you could expect to pay for an I-grade (inside) cabin. Prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Prices may change at any time before departure date, the applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking.

Do I need a pin code for credit card payments?

You do not need a pin code for your credit card when making payments online or over the phone. You will be required to provide the credit card type, card number, expiry date and Card Verification Code (CVV).

When will I receive all travel documents?

You should receive your travel documents approximately 3 weeks before departure.

Why am I not getting separate flight tickets?

Your flight tickets are electronic; you may check-in by showing your passport to the agent at the check-in counter.

How can I book excursions and when are they available?

Most excursions are pre-bookable and can be added on to your voyage during the online booking process. If you are booking over the phone, excursions can be added at any point from the time of booking the voyage until 1 week prior to departure.

Excursions which are not pre-bookable may be booked from the tour leader on the ship. All excursions are subject to availability and sold on a first come, first served basis.

Can I change full board into half board on a voyage?

Unfortunately, no you cannot change to half board.

Why do I need a passport?

All guests checking in at the Hurtigruten terminal or on board our ships have to present a valid Passport or government approved ID Card.

Hurtigruten ships

Can we pay with cash and credit card on board?

You can pay as you go on board our ships with cash or credit card. We also offer a Cruise Card which is used to accumulate a tab and the balance is paid at the end of your voyage.

Are your ships wheelchair accessible?

We are happy to welcome passengers who are not fully mobile and all ships (except MS Lofoten) have at least one cabin equipped for travellers using a wheelchair.

Which ships have fitness rooms and Jacuzzis?

Jacuzzis can be found on MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Midnatsol, MS Trollfjord, MS Polarlys, MS Kong Harald, MS Nordkapp and MS Finnmarken (MS Finnmarken has a pool as well). All ships with the exception of MS Lofoten have fitness rooms.

Which ships have children’s playrooms?

MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol have a play corner. MS Finnmarken, MS Nordnorge, MS Nordlys, MS Richard With and MS Vesterålen have playrooms.

Will I need to share a cabin with a stranger if I am traveling alone?

No, we do not book passengers individual beds but rather, entire cabins. If you are travelling alone, you would be booking a whole cabin for yourself.

Will I have my own bathroom and WC?

In almost all cases, yes. The only exceptions are a few cabins on board the classic ships MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen where guests have use of a wash basin in the cabin and share facilities with a few other guests.

Norwegian Coastal voyages

Can you go on shore in every port?

Yes, with some recommendations. If the ship is in port for 30 minutes or longer, we encourage passengers to take a look around all of the ports. However, in some ports our ships only stop for 15 minutes. In this case, we ask that passengers continuing their voyage stay on board, just to avoid any risks. Our full sailing plan can be located here.

When do I have to meet up at latest at the different ports – both with and without vehicle?

Please be at the port 15-20 minutes prior to departure. For Bergen departures however, the latest check-in time is 30 minutes before ship departure. Check in at the terminal in Bergen is possible until 19:30, after which check-in will take place on board.

I am taking a car aboard Hurtigruten. What time should I embark the ship?

For Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø and Kirkenes, you should arrive at least 1 hour before departure to allow time to load your car onto the ship. For other ports, 30 minutes beforehand should be fine.

What are the maximum dimensions for vehicles?

Can I bring cargo on board?

Our ships may have space for cargo although there is no option to book it online or over the phone as it is generally not a service offered to our passengers. We can however put in a special request if you send us an email detailing the dimensions of the cargo you wish to bring on board. Be advised though that port fees and handling charges may apply depending on the size of the cargo.

How are the excursions organised when the ship is only in port for a short time and sails on?

If passengers have booked excursions through Hurtigruten, then their excursion includes transfers to and from the ship. If during the time you are on the excursion, the ship has moved on to another port in keeping with the sailing schedule, the return transfer will be arranged to re-join the ship wherever it is currently docked. This allows our guests to fully immerse themselves in enjoying their excursion stress-free.

Can I choose a cabin number on a port-to-port voyage?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer guaranteed cabin numbers for port-to-port and short voyages (less than 5 nights).

Can I book a port-to-port voyage without a cabin?

It is possible to book deck space for a voyage that is shorter than 18 hours. Passengers must book a cabin any distance that takes longer than 18 hours. We’ll even include breakfast, on us.

When do the transfers leave?

Transfer times vary depending on the pickup location. Exact times and locations will be confirmed when you are sent your travel documents. Please also refer to our Arrival and Departure Handbook here.

Will the luggage go through automatically in Oslo and at other airports?

Luggage will need to be checked in again at Oslo airport, regardless of where flights are coming from. For other airports, such as Bergen, this depends on the airline and where the flights departed from. This will normally be highlighted to you when you receive your flight tickets and when you check-in at your departure airport.

Will it be cold in Norway?

Norway is home to the most northern city in the world. Passengers should therefore be aware that temperatures may be much chillier than they are used to.

What clothes should I pack for travel to Norway?

The best approach is to bring multiple layers of comfortable, durable, and warm wear which can be piled on or stripped off depending on the weather.

During summer, we encourage passengers to make the most of the sunshine to participate in hikes and city walks. Reliable walking shoes and a light jacket are therefore good items to include if travelling in the Midnight Sun season.

Winter is a spectacular time with the Northern Lights often appearing in the arctic skies above. Guests should be fully kitted out for cold weather with a water and wind-resistant/proof winter coat, thermal clothing, sturdy boots with a good sole, a scarf, gloves and a hat.

As in many other countries, autumn and spring in Norway are a mish-mash of rain and sun. The sensible among you will bring a few different types of clothing in expectation of diverse weather that can be hot and then cold, dry and then wet.

The Hurtigruten experience is about exploration and relaxation. There is therefore no dress code or formal attire on board. Keep the tuxedo and evening gown at home and just enjoy the voyage! For more information on what to pack please see here.

Explorer voyages

What are the Personal Questionnaire and Medical forms and why do I need to fill them in?

The questionnaire and medical forms are used to advise us your state of fitness and suitability for certain off board excursions. They are also useful in case of emergencies. The questionnaire and form will be provided with your travel documents and must be completed and handed to the crew when you board.

How do the landings operate in Antarctica and Spitsbergen?

All landings are dependent on the weather and ice conditions. Unfortunately, with the unpredictable weather in these polar zones, we can make no guarantees that landings will occur each and every day of your voyage. For more information on Antarctica landings see here.

What time is the LAN chartered flight?

We cannot pre-advise the LAN chartered flight times. These are the flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and will be advised on location in South America.

I have travelled so many times with Hurtigruten and would like to receive another present than the blue jacket.

Unfortunately, we do not have any other presents however, the jacket is available in various sizes if you wish to give it to a friend.

Must I bring my own boots?

We recommend that you do bring your own boots, with suitable grip for uneven terrain. However, we also hire out special high-quality Muck Boots which can be used on landings and hikes free of charge.

What are Muck boots and what sizes do you have on board?

On board you may borrow a pair of high quality boots free of charge to wear during landings and hikes.

What clothes should I pack for travel on Explorer voyages?

MyPage and website

Please try resetting your password. If you are still experiencing technical issues please email or call us to retrieve your booking information, make payments or update your details.

I cannot pay through MyPage. What do I do?

Please email or call us to make a payment if you cannot do so through MyPage.

I cannot see my bookings in MyPage. What do I do?

Please email or call us to retrieve your booking information if you cannot see it in MyPage.

I cannot get tickets or add services through MyPage. What do I do?

Unfortunately, this is not possible through MyPage. Howeve, your tickets will be emailed to you and you may email or call us to add services (such as cabin upgrades, excursions, beverage packages, hotels, flights and airport transfers).

The information is incorrect on MyPage. How can I update it?

You can update your details on MyPage if you do not have any bookings. If you do have a previous or upcoming booking please call or email us.